Penn State football defensive line coach Deion Barnes will not remain on Matt Campbell’s staff and instead join South Carolina to be the team’s defensive end and outside linebackers coach, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Barnes was the leader of the defensive line unit for three seasons after being promoted from an analyst role in 2023. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native played for the Nittany Lions from 2012-14 and spent two seasons in the NFL. Barnes earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2012.

The Penn State alum had been with the blue and white in a coaching role since 2020, and the Nittany Lions have had the most defensive ends drafted in the NFL since Barnes returned to Happy Valley.

Heading into Matt Campbell’s first season at the helm of Penn State, Barnes was a crucial on-field staffer who could have been retained from the previous staff by the former Iowa State head coach. Terry Smith will be a part of Campbell’s staff with a specific role not yet announced.

About the Author

CJ Gill

CJ was a broadcast journalism student at Penn State from 2022-26 and was the sports editor at Onward State. He's a huge Phillies and Steelers fan, which is odd. He's probably drinking a beer with his friends and watching Penn State football right now. You can email him at cjwg619@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CJGill14.

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